Greater Manchester issued flood warning with residents told to move cars to higher ground, take important items upstairs and move pets to safety

Flood warnings have been issued as heavy rain batters Greater Manchester.

Residents living near the River Mersey in south Manchester are being urged to 'act now', with a deluge of rain likely to cause flooding.

Two 'danger to life' severe flood warnings have been issued around the River Mersey in Didsbury.

One covers East Didsbury, with the other West Didsbury and Northenden.

460 homes are at risk of flooding, the Environment Agency says, with the process of evacuation 'already underway'.

READ MORE : Met Office hour-by-hour Sunday weather forecast as rain and wind batters Greater Manchester

Other flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected- are also in place for the River Mersey on land near Didsbury golf course, Cheadle Wood and Withington golf course, and at Sale Water Park.

A flood warning is also in place for the River Roch at Littleborough, and the River Goyt at Whaley Bridge.

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There are also less severe flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - in place for land near the River Mersey in Tameside, and the river's catchment in Bramhall, Stockport, Sale, Altrincham and Urmston.

Flood alerts are also in place for the RIver Glaze catchment at Leigh and east Wigan, and the upper River Irwell catchment with Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale, Haslingden, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.

The scene in Didsbury this morning as the River Mersey bursts its banks (Manchester Evening News)

A flood alert is also in place for the River Irwell in Salford.

One of the flood warnings states: "River levels have risen on the River Mersey due to heavy rainfall.

"Areas most at risk include land and properties close to the River Mersey at Didsbury Golf Course and Cheadle Wood.

"Flooding is expected from 10:00 AM today, 20/02/2022.

"We will continue to monitor the forecast and issue further warnings if necessary.

"Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water."

For residents whose homes are in the flood warning area, the Environment Agency advises that they should:

• move vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so

• move family and pets to safety

• move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings

• turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water

• if you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now